Kyaggwe end long wait for Masaza Cup glory with maiden title
For Kyaggwe, the victory was a moment of redemption after losing 1-0 to Buddu in their first-ever final in 2024 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Winners celebrating after the match. (Photos by Ismail Mulangwa)
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2026 Buganda Masaza Cup
Final: Kyaggwe 1 Gomba 0
Third-place play-off: Butambala 1 Bugerere 0
Kyaggwe ended their long wait for Buganda Masaza Cup glory on Saturday, defeating five-time champions Gomba 1-0 in a closely contested final at a packed Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, to claim their maiden title.
Ronald Edward Frederick Kimera Muwenda Mutebi II
The historic triumph was made even sweeter when Kyaggwe defender Godfrey Arijole was named the season's most valuable player (MVP), capping a memorable campaign for a county that had previously come close to lifting the coveted trophy but fallen short.
Super substitute George Kato Isingoma proved Kyaggwe's hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 75th minute of an encounter in which the two sides battled fiercely from the opening whistle.
For Kyaggwe, the victory was a moment of redemption after losing 1-0 to Buddu in their first-ever final in 2024 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
This time, however, they held their nerve to overcome one of the competition's most successful sides.
Ronald Edward Frederick Kimera Muwenda Mutebi II waving to fans
The final attracted an impressive gathering of football fans, Buganda Kingdom officials and national leaders. His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, attended alongside his daughter, Princess Katrina Ssangalyambogo.
The atmosphere reached fever pitch at about 3:40 pm, shortly before the scheduled 4 pm kick-off, when the Kabaka arrived at the stadium.
Travelling in an open-roof vehicle, the monarch drove around the pitch, waving to his subjects as he smiled alongside Princess Ssangalyambogo, drawing loud cheers from thousands of supporters.
For many fans, seeing the Kabaka looking well and in high spirits was among the day's most cherished moments, adding to the significance of an occasion that brought together football, culture and Buganda's heritage.
Kyaggwe fans steal the show
Kyaggwe's supporters made their presence felt long before kick-off, with many travelling from Mukono and Buikwe districts to witness what became a landmark day for their county.
Gomba fans
Some fans reportedly arrived at Wankulukuku as early as 4 am, while others spent the night outside the stadium to secure their places for the eagerly anticipated final.
Jinja Road, which connects Mukono to Kampala, was particularly busy as thousands of supporters made their way to and from the capital.
Many arrived dressed in traditional attire, including bark cloth and dry banana leaves, while others carried coffins bearing messages such as “RIP Gomba” in a playful attempt to unsettle their opponents.
The displays reflected Kyaggwe's distinctive cultural identity, with the county widely associated with African traditional religion, traditional shrines and spirit mediums. The supporters' theatrics also drew on the popular nickname “Abasezi”.
While Kyaggwe celebrated a historic breakthrough, Gomba were left to rue a missed opportunity to extend their record in the competition.
The five-time champions had entered the final seeking a sixth title under coach Felix Ssekabuuza, who guided Buweekula to last season's crown.
However, they could not overcome a determined Kyaggwe side coached by William Kyeswa and Richard Ssali.
Despite the defeat, Gomba striker Meddie Kasule finished the campaign as the tournament's top scorer with six goals.
Herbert Masaba of Mawogola was named Best Goalkeeper, while Butambala received both the fair play award and the most improved team accolade.
In the third-place play-off, Butambala defeated Bugerere 1-0, with Dathan Mubiru scoring the decisive goal in the 83rd minute.
Kyaggwe received a trophy and a cash prize of sh25 million, while runners-up Gomba took home sh22 million.
Third-placed Butambala earned sh20 million, with Bugerere receiving sh18 million for finishing fourth.
Ronald Edward Frederick Kimera Muwenda Mutebi II handing over the trophy